Use of photographs

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 20

Use of photographs

Sir,—l would just like to warn readers that if they use the Phototron colour film developing facility in the Shades precinct that they are likely to have copies taken off their negatives and the resultant photos used for the shop’s display and advertising purposes without the consent or knowledge of the owner of the negatives. I do not know if this is illegal, but it is certainly immoral and a breach of faith. Sometimes people allow themselves to be photographed by friends in situations that could be said to be compromising on the understanding that the photographs are for private perusal by personal friends. I, myself, know of two photographs of friends that have been continuously on display for about thq last two months. The photographs are not “sexy” in any, way, but they are such that I do not think my friends would have consented to them being taken if they had known they were to be on public display, in a busy shopping area. — Yours, etc., L. H. FULLER. June 22, 1983. .[Mr S. A. Wallis, manager, Phototron Processors (Chch),TCtd, replies: “We apologise to Mr Fuller and his friends for any inconveni-

ence caused by the display of photographs in our shop. Our quality control standards are such that it is often necessary to print more than one copy from a negative to improve on the original. Any prints not returned to customers are disposed of as waste. We have, however, some photographs, considered to be of a high standard, on display to show the sizes available from our printer. I acknowledge some were displayed without the consent of the owners. This display has been removed. I am, however, not aware of any photograph that could be construed as compromising or offensive and would be obliged if Mr Fuller could point out the photograph in question.”]